16 Bewitched

When she met him for the first time a few years ago, Gael had a clean-shaven face. He was neat and had a clean-cut gentleman's hair, looking so polished wearing a suit. But now, he was so casual. So laidback. Yet still so very tasteful. His hair was still a gentleman's cut but had a longer top. She caught him running his fingers through his hair whenever it fell on his gorgeous face. 

And his perfect 5 o'clock shadow that's tickling her skin from the contact made her wonder how it would feel like if he went further down the length of her neck… her collarbone… her—her dark brown eyes popped open wide, realizing that she had just fantasized about the man she was supposed to hate.

Angela's heart raced, ramming against her ribcage. A hot flush crept across her cheeks and despite wanting so badly to lean into him, she pushed him off her. "W-What are you doing?!" her voice weakened just as her ears turned red.

Gael stared straight at her, studying the embarrassment on her reaction that he actually found cute. The flush that colored her pale skin only made her even more beautiful. His Adam's apple bobbed when he could still smell her tempting fragrance even after leaning into her just now. Her scent was dangerously mysterious and bewitching — mild yet also intoxicating. He was the one teasing her but now he swore that the tables have turned. 

He was damn pissed at himself that he got lost for a moment. He was supposed to end this, not start something. 'So why did you flirt, asshole?' he cursed in his head. 'This girl is bad for you,' his inner voice spoke, reminding him of why he was there in the first place.

When he didn't answer, her eyes caught sight of the book that was still in his hands and she had the urge to reach for it but just when her hand moved forward, Gael had already shifted it to the side, revealing a knowing smile on his face. "How bold of you to use me in your book. Why did you do it?" he questioned.

"I didn't—"

"Don't bother denying it, Angela. There's no way that you could escape this." He actually had yet to receive results from his investigation in several days but judging by her reactions, he was almost certain of the truth. His doubts had already been answered.

Angela tucked her hair behind her ear at the same time that her gaze shifted to the side. She fidgeted, her fingers absent-mindedly fiddling with the hem of her dress as she tried to process her thoughts. She was confused and unsure about how to handle the situation. She thought of ways on how to avoid Gael, but she failed to think of how to actually handle it when or if he confronts her. Who knew he would be so straightforward?

Seeing that she didn't really have any other choice, she swallowed the uncomfortable lump in her throat and hesitantly asked in a low tone, "H-How did you find out?"

"Really? That's the first thing that you're going to ask me?" Gael's brows knitted, a little disappointed that it was her first question.

It was indeed a stupid question and Angela mentally facepalmed herself. He was making her nervous and she was doing a poor job at handling the situation.

When she didn't answer, he pressed another question, "Why?" 

"What 'why'?"

"Do I need to spell it out for you? Why did you write this book? Why did you write about me? Why did you use me? Why did you detail that night's—"

"I don't know," she interrupted, not wanting to hear what he would say next because this was really so awkward. Because no matter what excuse she would say, the book was the biggest proof that – that night was memorable for her to use it as an inspiration — that 'He' was unforgettable. "It just happened," was all that she could add.

What did he expect? That she would confess that she fell in love at first sight? How extremely laughable! That she thought he was special? Please. This was only a book. A fiction was only supposed to be a figment. However, the problem was that she used him. 

And he didn't know why he was disappointed with her answer.

Feeling as though there was no point in talking about this now, he figured it was best not to get involved with her anymore. It was time to take some action. Pushing himself off the sunbed, he slightly turned his head in her direction and spoke over his shoulder, "Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Angela Su. And when you go back to Esmea, you better not flee. I'll see you in court."

Gael didn't wait for her response and started on his heel leaving Angela with her mouth falling open. She had an incredulous stare at his back as he walked towards the direction of the rooms in the resort. She didn't even realize that he knew her last name already. She felt a sudden coldness hitting the pit of her stomach, causing her breathlessness. She couldn't believe that he was going to sue her. 

"W-Wait…" Angela's hands trembled as she struggled to get up from her seat. This cannot happen to her! She almost stumbled and fell as she started to go after him, willing herself to do whatever it takes to settle this matter.

Hearing her chase after him, the corner of Gael's mouth curled up as he continued to ignore her calling out his name on his way to his suite.